A Co Down bar is creating 15 new jobs as it reopens under new management.
The newly-named Courthouse Bar and Restaurant in Newtownards has been refurbished as part of a £250,000 investment.
The former Biggles Bar was bought over by Peter and Gavin Bates with financial help from Ulster Bank.
It’s now been overhauled and redesigned, and will include a large function suite capable of catering for up to 110 people.
The new owners currently operate Ryan’s Bar in Belfast.
Owner Peter Bates said: “We purchased the premises, with Ulster Bank’s support, at the end of 2014 and invested significantly in refurbishing the building to create a modern bar and restaurant.
“Food is an important part of our offering, and to complement this we have an extensive well priced wine list. We also stock a unique range of draught beers along with a good selection of craft beers and spirits, and a choice of cocktails.”
Ulster Bank’s Tracey Morrow said the new owners had “extensive experience in the licensed trade”.
She added: “The premises are well-known in Newtownards. We’re pleased to be supporting a local business with exciting potential.
“As a bank, we have significant experience of supporting the hospitality sector and recently introduced a dedicated food and drink proposition to support even more firms with their expansion plans.
“Peter and Gavin have extensive experience in the licensed trade, currently operating the well-known Ryan’s Bar in Belfast, having also been involved in a number of other successful businesses both here and in Scotland.”
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